A proper handover is more than just moving the tools off site
The final stage of a build should leave you with a finished space, a clear list of anything still to fix, and the paperwork to prove the work was done properly.
Snagging is the process of identifying and fixing the small defects and unfinished details that surface once a build is substantially complete, from a scuff on paintwork to a door that needs easing or a socket cover left loose. It is a normal, expected part of finishing any project, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
A good snagging process works best as a joint walkthrough between the builder and the client, room by room, noting anything that needs attention before it is considered genuinely finished. Some items can be fixed immediately, while others might need a follow-up visit once a trade or material becomes available.
Handover should also include the paperwork that proves the work meets the required standards: the Building Regulations completion certificate, any warranties on materials or installed products such as boilers or windows, and manuals for anything the client needs to operate or maintain going forward.
What snagging typically covers
Common items include paint finish and touch-ups, gaps in sealant or trim, doors and windows that need adjusting, minor plaster imperfections, and checking that all fittings, sockets and switches operate correctly. On larger projects, this list can run to a page or two without indicating anything is fundamentally wrong with the build.
It helps to view a room in good daylight when checking finishes, since artificial light in the evening can hide flaws that are obvious the next morning, and vice versa.
Doing the walkthrough properly
Going through each room methodically, testing doors, windows, taps, sockets and any new appliances, catches far more than a quick glance around the finished space. It is worth taking your time on this rather than rushing it in a single short visit, particularly on a project with several rooms or a whole new floor.
We work through the snag list with the client and agree realistic timing for anything that cannot be resolved on the spot, so there is a clear shared understanding of what is outstanding and when it will be addressed.
Paperwork to expect at handover
This should include the Building Regulations completion certificate, any electrical installation certificates for new wiring work, guarantees for materials or products such as roofing systems, boilers or windows, and instruction manuals for anything the household needs to operate, such as a new heating control or extractor fan.
Keep this paperwork together and accessible, since it is commonly requested by solicitors or surveyors if the property is sold, and by insurers or warranty providers if a problem arises later.
After handover
Most builders will address genuine snagging items that surface shortly after handover, since some issues, like a hairline plaster crack as new work dries out fully, only become visible once the space has been lived in for a while. It is worth raising anything you notice promptly rather than waiting, so it can be addressed while it is still fresh and clearly connected to the recent work.
A well-handled snagging and handover process is one of the clearest signs of a builder who takes pride in finishing a job properly, not just getting it structurally complete.
Common questions
Is it normal to find a long snag list on a finished build?
A list of minor items is entirely normal on most projects. What matters is whether they are addressed properly and promptly, not whether the list exists at all.
What if I notice an issue weeks after handover?
Raise it as soon as you notice it. Genuine defects connected to the recent work should be addressed, and prompt reporting makes it easier to establish the cause clearly.
What documents should I keep after a build completes?
Keep the Building Regulations completion certificate, electrical certificates, product warranties and any appliance manuals together somewhere safe, ideally with the house deeds.
Can I withhold final payment until snagging is complete?
This depends on the payment terms agreed at the outset. Many contracts tie a final payment stage to substantial completion with a reasonable period allowed for snagging afterwards.
Tell us about the job and we’ll come back with a clear next step.
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- Planning permissionWhen planning permission applies, when it does not, and how Torbay, Teignbridge and South Hams differ.
- Building regulationsHow Building Regulations approval works, what inspections happen and how it differs from planning permission.
- Party wall agreementsHow the Party Wall Act works, when notice is needed and why a schedule of condition protects everyone.
- Choosing a builderHow to vet a builder properly, compare quotes fairly, and judge communication before work begins.